I suppose there are many ways to look at what Cape Fear
represents, but I think it is a chilling reminder of the danger of
humans taking atonement into their own hands or strictly interpreting
atonement from a juridical point of view--as if in a courtroom. DeNiro's
twisted character in the movie (can't remember his name now) has studied
the Bible and tattooed his chest with Scripture quotes about justice. He
becomes increasingly deranged as he tries to enact his form of atoning,
becoming an unforgiving and vengeful judge. It is interesting that the
crisis is resolved in a storm at sea, in what might be loosely seen as
baptismal imagery. (submitted by Marcia Wakeland)

The film as a whole relates Donald Woods'
determination to fight apartheid and thus being finally forced to flee South
Africa. One scene (at the beach) has an argument between Woods and his
wife, illustrating that standing up for justice is not easy, and there is
pressure to conform and give in. The final scene is a strong dramatised
example of injustice, with white police killing peacefully
protesting blacks.Peter Kirkpatrick, Auckland, NZ)

A movie which we used in our EFM group a
few years ago was, "The Grapes of Wrath." It
explores how a piece of land even if its a dust bowl is worth fighting
for. It is the place where your people were born, lived and died.
To be taken from it is tearing the fabric of home, of belonging.
It is a story of a people no one wanted on their land, and how that
begets violence in a good man. A man who realizes he has no home
and must leave his community to fight the injustice and pain living in a
world that steals the identity of humankind. He leaves a marked
man. Henry Fonda's scene with his mother is one of the most
powerful moments in a film I have seen. This movie was a great TR.
We used it starting from Culture. We came away with a new way of seeing
people who are disenfranchised by the world and thrown into
homelessness. We were able to look at the people today and how
this is still happening. Also in our own lives, have we been
disenfranchised? Have we ever played the role of doing this to
others? Of course when it comes to our tradition it is filled with
stories of a people being pushed out. Now some people do not like old
movies, but this movie still stands up to the new movies I think. (submitted
by Sydne Archambault, Lander)